Sensory Intergration

[Spinkle]

Having been knocked back for sensory OT from the NHS we've just initiated some privately.

I'm sure we're doing the right thing but I have a niggle in the back of my mind. Are we being sold snake oil? We paid for SALT for 2 years for DS (6, ASD) and it was the best decision we'd ever made. But I kinda understood that, but this sensory stuff is a bit out of my field.

Can anyone out there in internet land reassure me?

from everything i have read, seen and heard its a good choice. We have been in touch with a private OT who specialist is in SPD will be assessing in Jan.

The evidence base for this sort of therapy is virutally non-existent.

We have never paid but did get excellent sensory support from our NHS preschool OT. She worked miracles.
But it was clearly targeted aims with firm strategies & lots of repitition that worked for us.
I would say have a look at the plan, see how robust it looks. It may take time but certainly it is something that you should eb able to see measurable rsults with.

Worked very well for us. I'd definately recommend it.

we found sensory trained OT in South West who was v helpful. google 'retained reflexes' and see it is sounds familiar.

someone wise at a treatomg autism conference said to me ' i am interested in a sample of one (IE MY CHILd)

Ds was referred to an OT with expertise in SI from his OT. SI expert is South African and I heard from a friend of mine that SI is very common and used a lot in South Africa.

Personally, the OT recommended things like physical breaks every half hour, stretching, compression etc and ds seemed to like it. In fact, when we do joing compressions, he often ask for it to be harder etc.

At the very least, school had to listen to OT and incorporate physical breaks into ds's routine and he no longer makes excuses to go to loo 3 times an hour. They also now accept that he is sensitive to noise and no longer insist he takes his fingers out when he covers his ears - I hope. I don't trust them at all.

keepyourmouthshutox are you in Herts at all?

Certainly does appear to be some evidence that sensory integration is effective.

You also have to remember that there are many different reasons why 'there is no evidence' for some therapies.

1. The therapy doesn't work.
2. The right study hasn't been designed.
3. No one wants to do the study.
4. No one wants to fund the study.

So 'no evidence' does not at all equate to 'does not work'.

Obviously a therapy that worked after 'evidence proved it was effective' worked equally well before the study was done.

lisad no but I understand from Star that is bad there. I am from Oxon.

My DH husband reasoned like this and between that and your reassurances I feel it's a goer. He said - we have to try as what's the worse that could happen? We'd be forever wondering whether we could have helped him and he'd rather regret losing the money rather than losing valuable time to get him the help he desperately needs

tbh if I was told that parachuting naked with a feather up my bum would help, then I'd probably do that too. If it had a few studies to back it up of course

That's the issue thoguh isn't it Spinkle?
When peopel are desperate and time running out, there isn't the time (or energy or necessarily the search skills) to evaluate the evidence. Hence desperate need for easy to understand and assimilate research findings.

Indigo has posted an interesting link to bona fide research.

The issue with SIT is that a lot of it is of course lovely and beneficial, but then again, walks and physical activity and running around and the calming effect of deep pressure (massage anyone? Yes please!) are beneficial to everyone.

I have reservations about common sense activities being put on a pedestal and fetishised as 'therapy' which of course costs ££££.
I don't like to see people being ripped off, especially people who are under sucvh huge emotional pressure anyway.

Quite.Your post sums up what I was saying whilst also acknowledging the fact that often parents are knackered and just don't have the time or energy to do 'stuff' every spare minute (I know-I work daily with my child and have done for the last 6 years. I'd love to go on strike, pour a huge glass of wine and say ''Today, I can't. I want someoene else to do it!'

I have experience of kids being driven for miles to 'access' (word I hate) 'specialsit sensory resources' when they live next door to the biggest sensory resource of all-a rural landscape full of sun and wind and rain and trees and rocks and mud and water and sticks.
Madness.
Someone somewhere is happy thoguh. They are making a packet out of this.

Justabout, if it works for you and your family, then that is great and I am very pleased for you.

I am commenting in general on the issue of evidence based practice. I can not and would not commewnt on individual cases.
I have no issue with people disagreeing with me.I disagree with many people on many diffarent issues.
That is what makes MN and in particular this SN part of it such a stimulating interesting and informative read.

I have quite a lot of infomation from a wonderful talk I went to with a leading SPD OT. Im happy to forward it to anyone that might want it, but not sure how much sense it would make with listening to the talk in the first place.
Moondog, have you ever listened to a talk about SPD? Have you done your research? I have and tbh I cant wait to start it with my girls after xmas :)

I'd love you to link with your research pleae Lisa.